Installation and User Guide

Millboard Enhanced Grain Limed Oak

www.millboard.co.uk

ToolsThese are the tools that

you need to install Millboard.

3 | Installation and user guide

Circular saw/jigsaw

Handsaw

Power drill and driver

Tape measure

Dustmask, gloves and safety glasses

String line

Spirit level

Set Square

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3 | Installation and user guide

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Millboard Installation and User Guide

Storage and handling

Millboard should always be stored on a flat surface or level bearers a maximum of 400mm apart and stacked face-to-face, not back-to-face. Be careful not to drag the Millboard off the pallet or over each other, as this could cause abrasion or marking on the surface and only move the pallet if the Millboard is safely strapped to it. Wear gloves and long sleeves when handling Millboard and take care when lifting the boards – as Millboard is solid rather than hollow. We recommend that two people carry the boards.

Colour

To recreate the aesthetics of natural products, we intentionally add secondary toning colours. There may be variance within the same board or from board to board in colour tone. This means that samples cut from boards may vary from the general colour of the boarding. With our range of colours, you can choose what is best for you. As with all products, the darker colours will feel warmer in sunny exposed locations. The lighter colours are normally used in such locations. Whilst every care is taken to ensure consistency some colour variation from batch to batch may occur. To avoid this, we recommend that you order all you need in one delivery. If you do have different batches it is best to mix the batches to blend the colours. As with all things constantly exposed to ultra violet light and all weathers, colours will tone slightly in time, this is normal for decking. On delivery if you find the colour unacceptable or believe them to be defective in any way, do not install the boards.

Boards should be stacked face-to-face

Colour tone may varyfrom batch to batch

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Joist spacing

Joist spacing of 400mm between joist centres is recommended for normal residential and light commercial use 1 . On heavy commercial, bridges, balconies, moorings, doorways and steps, use 300mm between joist centres. If you need to cut Millboard down along the length, then reduce the joist centres accordingly. A minimum of three joists is required for any cut boards.

2 For laying 45º to the joist, reduce the joist centres to 300mm for residential and 240mm for commercial use.

Always leave a 10mm expansion gap between ends of bearers and joists.

To install Plas-Pro frame solutions, drill the fixing holes oversize to allow the material to expand. Posts should always have a minimum of a third of their length in the ground, subject to a minimum of 400mm in the ground. Joist ends must always be positioned over bearers.

Joists

400-300mmcentres

50mm max

1

2mm gap

4mm gap

300mmcentres

4mm gap

2mm gap

Joists

2

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Fastening to substructure

Millboard Durafix® stainless steel fixings mean that there’s no need to pre-drill or countersink, just screw straight in. We advise using a standard driver and not an impact driver to fix the Durafix® screws to the decking as this can break the drive bit and screw head, as well as impede the board from being fixed directly against the subframe. When fixing in, push down, start the driver slowly and speed up; then slow down when driving the head of the screw through the Lastane® 3 . Stop the screw about 5mm below the surface 4 . This should leave a small, virtually indistinguishable hole. Failure to use our Durafix® Fixings or not fitting according to these guidelines may invalidate the warranty. Two fixings per board should be used where the board crosses a joist, we advise to use three at the ends of the boards on shorter lengths. The fixings at the ends of the boards should be fixed at a slight angle to prevent being too close to the end of the board 5 , positioning the screws 20-25mm from the ends and 30mm from the sides of the boards. Board ends should be supported by a minimum of 20mm. As the boards are dimensionally stable, they can be fitted with only 4mm spacing and 2mm gap at the ends of the boards. Cuts must always be positioned over the joist. Millboard decking is a hand-moulded product, therefore there is a slight variance in the boards dimensions. Tolerances we deem as acceptable are: length +/- 5mm, width +/-3mm, thickness +/- 2mm. Best practice is to fix the boards at one end, then a fixing in the middle adjusting spacing as necessary, then the far end. Then fix to the remaining joists. We recommend working to a string line.

Millboard Installation and User Guide

5mm

20mmminimum deck board support

20-25mm

5

3 4

Joist

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Cutting the Millboard

Millboard can be cut with standard saw blades, although we recommend a carbon-tipped, multi-purpose chop saw. As the formed end of the Millboard is lost when cut, these can be placed in less visual areas against a wall or edging profile. Use our Edgings (page 28) or Touch-up coating (page 35) where they are visible. Dispose of off-cuts as general waste, don’t burn them. When cutting the Millboard, wear a dust mask, safety glasses, long sleeves and protective gloves. A dust bag must be used on chop saws. Make sure that the Millboard is adequately supported when cutting.

Taking care

If the Millboard picks up marks during installation simply wash with hot, soapy water and a firm broom straightaway. To remove any cement and lime-based stains, we recommend using Geocel Brick & Mortar Cleaner. Test a small area first and follow the mixing instructions, leaving for five minutes before washing off with soapy water.

Fascia boards, steps and edges

We recommend that our purpose-made edging be fitted to all steps and perimeters of the deck. It’s coated with extra Lastane® for added resilience on these areas, helping prevent excessive wear. Edging is available in either a Bullnose 6 or Square profile 7 . Ensure that the edging is supported on a joist by a minimum of 25mm. We recommend trimming the ends to butt tightly when fitting both edging and fascias. For the best visual effect, stagger the edging and fascia joints so that they’re not in line – this creates a subtler look. We also manufacture the Bullnose edging in a flexible material suitable for curved designs. Flexible Bullnose edgings can be curved to follow a maximum convex diameter of 2.4metres. These flexible profiles need to be at least room temperature (c.20ºC), then bent gently. Standard fascia will bend up to 2.4m convex diameter. When fixing start from the end and work along, fixing at 300mm intervals as you go. This flexible material doesn’t conceal the fixings as well, leaving some holes partially visible.

2mm gap

Bullnose edge

8mm

FasciaJoist

25mm min

2mm gap

FasciaJoist

25mm min20mm min

Millboard

Millboard

6

7

20mm min

5mm

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Square edge

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After CareNow that your Millboard is installed,

make sure its stays in premium condition with our handy tips on aftercare.

Factory sealedMillboards are surface sealed in the factory to ensure

they arrive in premium condition. In the first few weeks of use, rainwater will sit on the surface in globules, but don’t

worry – this is normal and will stop once the temporary surface seal breaks down.

Marking

The Lastane® finish is highly resistant to scratches and food and drink stains, and everyday wear and tear.

Sharp objects such as unprotected table or chair legs, spiked shoes or metal planter bases can leave marks if dragged across the surface, so take care when moving

these items around. The risk of marking from strong dyes and stains such as berries and animal droppings will be

reduced if removed as soon as possible.

Winter ice and snow

A small amount of granulated white salt can be used to keep your Millboard ice-free. Please don’t use rock salt,

as this contains clay and grit and can be abrasive. When winter’s over, clean the surface with soapy water

and a soft broom.

Cleaning

Because Millboard is made of non-porous composite, it resists mossy build-up and stains, so needs very little

maintenance. To remove spills and marks, simply use a mild detergent and a cloth. Just steer clear of solvents, chemicals and abrasive cleaners that could damage

your Millboard – and there’s normally no need for pressure washing.

9 | Aftercare

Millboard Enhanced Grain Golden Oak

9 | Aftercare

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Frequently asked questionsWhere can I use Millboard?Millboard is extremely versatile and can be used in practically every outdoor space. Create decks, balconies, roof gardens, boardwalks, bridges, pontoons, seating, steps, planters and more. Do I need to seal Millboard?No, all Millboards are surface sealed in the factory to ensure they arrive in premium condition. In the first few weeks of use, rainwater will sit on the surface in globules, but don’t worry – this is normal and will stop once the temporary surface seal breaks down. Does Millboard mark?The Lastane® finish is highly resistant to scratches and food and drink stains, and everyday wear and tear. Sharp objects such as unprotected table or chair legs, spiked shoes or metal planter bases can leave marks if dragged across the surface, so take care when moving these items around. The risk of marking from strong dyes and stains such as berries and animal droppings will be reduced if removed as soon as possible. How do I clean Millboard?Because Millboard is made of non-porous composite, it resists mossy build-up and stains, so needs very little maintenance. To remove spills and marks, simply use a mild detergent and a cloth. Just steer clear of solvents, chemicals and abrasive cleaners that could damage your Millboard – and there’s normally no need for pressure washing.

What if it snows or is icy?A small amount of granulated white salt can be used to keep your Millboard ice-free. Please don’t use rock salt, as this contains clay and grit and can be abrasive. When winter’s over, clean the surface with soapy water and a soft broom. Does Millboard come with a Warranty?For more information go to www.millboard.co.uk/warranty Is Millboard anti-slip?Yes, in BS79.76 slip resistance tests, all styles of Millboard achieve one of the highest anti-slip ratings, even in wet conditions. Are Millboard colours consistent?As with all flooring, we advise buying all the Millboard you need at the same time to help ensure that the colour is as consistent as possible. If you don’t order all your Millboard at once, you can blend different batches to create only subtle variation throughout your space. Can Millboard be cut just like wood?Millboard can be cut with standard saw blades, although we recommend a carbon-tipped, multi-purposed chop saw. As the formed end of the board is lost when cut, these can be placed in less visual areas against a wall or edging profile. Matching Touch-up Coating for exposed ends is available to buy separately. See page 35.

What fixings should be used to fix Millboard?Following extensive trials, we recommend and supply Durafix® stainless steel screws, designed specifically for Millboard. There’s no need to pre-drill or countersink Millboard and the unique Lastane® material self-heals, leaving a virtually indistinguishable mark on the surface. See pages 35 and 37.

Can you recommend an installer?A nationwide network of APPROVED Installers are available at www.millboard.co.uk. Chosen for their professionalism and high quality, you should always follow normal precautions before entering into a contract with a third party, especially if a deposit payment is required. Something else?For any other technical, installation or care questions, go to www.millboard.co.uk, call our technical team on 024 7643 9943, or email us at enquiries@millboard.co.uk Order Millboard samplesThere’s nothing like seeing Millboard for yourself. Simply go to www.millboard.co.uk to find your nearest merchant or display centre.

www.millboard.co.uk

11 | FAQs

The Millboard Company LtdUK Head OfficeCastle CourtBodmin RoadCoventry CV2 5DB

T 44 (0)24 7643 9943 F 44 (0)24 7661 1668E enquiries@millboard.co.ukW millboard.co.uk

Company registered No. 06061318VAT No: 980 616602

How to order

It’s simple to enjoy Millboard

1Get inspired

Check out our brochure and website for style ideas and the complete Millboard

collection.

2Choose your Millboard

Order your free samples to help you

choose the colour and finish for your project,

or visit a display centre or merchant.

3Remember the

finishing touches

Take a look at our matching fascias and

edging, essential fixings and more.

4Contact a professional

Arrange an independent fitter

or ask us for a recommendation.

Visit our website, www.millboard.co.uk

for more details.

5 Or buy and fit

it yourself

You can also order Millboard from an

authorised merchant and install it yourself.

11 | FAQs

Millboard Enhanced Grain Golden Oak

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